So I was helping a friend plan a short trip to Europe, and they asked me, “Is Verizon Travel Pass even worth it?”
That got me thinking. I’ve used it myself on a quick work trip, and while it’s not the cheapest option, it’s incredibly convenient. Especially if you’re not in the mood to deal with foreign SIM cards or download an eSIM and configure everything.
If you’re wondering how Verizon Travel Pass works or whether it’s the right option for you, I’ll break it down simply. Nothing fancy, just what you need to know.
Table of Contents
What Exactly Is Verizon Travel Pass?
Verizon Travel Pass is a daily add-on that lets you use your current Verizon plan in more than 210 countries. You keep your number, your plan, everything—just like you’re back home in the US.
But yeah, it’s not free. You pay $12 per day in most countries, and $6 per day if you’re in Canada or Mexico.
It’s perfect if you’re traveling for a few days or want the comfort of knowing your phone will “just work” the moment you land.
How Does It Actually Work?
Here’s the simple version. Once Travel Pass is activated, your phone connects to local partner networks abroad. You can use your regular talk, text, and data like normal. The first time you send a text, make a call, or use mobile data in a foreign country, a 24-hour session kicks in.
And yes, even background stuff like WhatsApp notifications or location updates can start the clock. So watch out for that. If you’re just using Wi-Fi and keeping roaming off, you won’t be charged.
You get 5 GB of high-speed data each day. After that, Verizon drops your speed to 3G, but you still stay connected. Need more data? You can buy 2 GB extra for $10.
How to Activate It
Super easy. You can do it in one of two ways:
- Text TRAVEL to 4004, or
- Open the My Verizon app, go to “Plans & Devices,” and turn on Travel Pass.
Once you activate it, it stays on your account unless you turn it off. So if you’re someone like me who forgets these things, good news—you don’t have to do it again for every trip.
Just remember, it only charges you on the days you actually use your phone abroad.
So, Is It Worth It?
For short trips? Yeah. 100 percent.
I used it during a 4-day trip and loved not having to mess with local SIMs. My phone worked instantly, I kept my US number, and there were no hiccups. It’s just… easy.
But if you’re staying abroad longer—like 10 days or more—the cost can stack up. At $12 a day, that’s $120+ in just 10 days. In that case, you might want to explore other options like:
- Verizon’s International Monthly Plan
- eSIM apps like Airalo or Holafly
- Or buying a local SIM if you’re comfortable with that
It really comes down to your budget and how much data you’ll need.
Quick Recap
- $12/day in most countries, $6/day in Canada and Mexico
- Includes unlimited calls and texts, plus 5 GB high-speed data daily
- No charge if you don’t use your phone
- Easy activation via text or app
- Works in 210+ countries
- Only pay on the days you use it
Video Guide:
Hope that helped. I tried to keep it real and not oversell anything. This is just what I’ve seen from using it myself and helping friends figure it out.
If you’ve used Verizon Travel Pass or any eSIM service, let me know how that went for you. I’m thinking of doing a comparison next—Travel Pass vs. eSIMs. Could be helpful for a lot of people.
Thanks for reading,
Related FAQs
Will I get charged if I don’t use my phone abroad?
No, you only get charged on days you actually use talk, text, or data.
What happens after I use 5 GB in a day?
Your speed drops to 3G, but you can still use the internet. You can also buy 2 GB extra for $10.
